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Physiotherapy for children is a specialized field, as there they are growing and learning their motor milestones it creates for complicated treatment. This blog isn’t about that. As they are growing, it makes their bodies more prone to certain injuries. Below, we’ll explore common children injuries, grouped into dislocations, growth plate injuries, and growth plate traction injuries.
Dislocations
Hip Dislocations
Hip dislocations in children can occur due to trauma, such as falls or accidents. It’s a serious injury that requires urgent medical attention to prevent long-term damage and complications.
Patella Dislocations and Subluxations (Partial Dislocations)
Patella dislocations happen when the kneecap moves out of its normal position, either fully (dislocation) or partially (subluxation). These injuries often occur during activities involving sudden pivoting or from a direct blow to the knee, such as a tackle.
- Symptoms: Joint deformity, instability, swelling, sudden severe pain, and difficulty bearing weight.
- Risk Factors: Joint hypermobility, high-riding kneecaps, muscle imbalances, or abnormal standing postures.
- Management: Immediate relocation is necessary (seek medical assistance if it doesn’t happen spontaneously). Recovery usually involves rest, followed by rehabilitation to strengthen muscles. Surgery may be needed in cases of recurrent dislocations.
Radial Head Subluxation (Nursemaid’s Elbow)
Radial head subluxation occurs when the ligaments surrounding the elbow are weak, making the joint susceptible to partial dislocations. This typically happens when a child’s arm is suddenly pulled during rough play or activities like swinging or picking them up by one arm.
- Symptoms: Pain and difficulty bending the elbow.
- Treatment: Medical assistance is needed to properly relocate the radial head and avoid further damage.
Growth Plate Injuries
Children’s bones grow from growth plates, which are more vulnerable to injury than adult bones. Growth plate injuries are unique because they affect these actively growing areas.
Growth Plate Fractures
Growth plate fractures occur at the ends of bones where growth is still happening, typically due to trauma (like a fall) or overuse (common in sports).
- Common Sites: Wrist, elbow, ankle, and hip.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, deformity, and loss of function. Fractures involving joints can lead to complications, such as early arthritis.
- Treatment: Immediate medical attention is necessary to ensure proper healing and prevent future complications.
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
SCFE occurs when the growth plate in the hip joint slips, causing hip instability. It can be caused by trauma or develop gradually over time.
- Symptoms: Hip, groin, or knee pain, restricted movement, a limp, and difficulty bearing weight.
- Risk Factors: Obesity, steroid use, family history, and certain metabolic disorders.
- Treatment: This condition requires orthopedic intervention, often involving surgery to correct the instability.
Avulsion Fractures
An avulsion fracture occurs when a tendon pulls a small fragment of bone away from the main bone during a forceful muscle contraction, such as kicking or jumping.
- Common Sites: Pelvis, hip, and buttocks.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and loss of function.
- Treatment: Conservative physiotherapy is usually preferred, and surgery is rarely necessary.
Growth Plate Traction Injuries
Growth plate traction injuries occur at the tendon attachment sites, which are more vulnerable in children due to the relative weakness of these areas.
Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease
Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is a condition where repetitive stress on the patellar tendon causes inflammation and pain at the tibial tubercle (the bump near the top of the tibia).
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness at the knee, especially during or after running, jumping, or other sports activities. A noticeable bump may develop at the tibial tubercle.
- Management: Activity moderation is key to managing symptoms.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, caused by repetitive stress from activities like running or jumping.
- Symptoms: Pain in the heel, especially during or after activity.
- Management: Reducing activity levels and treating inflammation can help manage symptoms.
Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Disease
This condition affects the tendon attachment below the kneecap and is often related to overuse in highly active children.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness below the patella during and after activity.
- Management: Reducing activity and allowing for adequate rest are important for recovery.
Final Thoughts
Children’s physiotherapy is essential for accurately diagnosing and treating children injuries to ensure a smooth recovery. If you have concerns about your child’s injury, don’t hesitate to consult Jannalee Physiotherapy for expert care.
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